BETSIEFEST NW | Good Music + Good People = A Good Time.

OUR CAUSE

Betsiefest is a celebration of life. A time to enjoy family and friends in the presence of amazing music and outdoor fun.

THE STORY

In 2010, the first Betsiefest Northwest was spontaneously held in Scott Shoemaker and Betsie Och's SE Portland backyard. It was a life celebration with live music and an amazing potluck dinner created by the friends and family of Betsie Och to remember their friend's spirit after her tragic battle with cancer. Betsie was a mindful lady who enjoyed music with friends, especially children, and worked hard to take in life's simple pleasures and have fun. Now, seven years later, we aim to include you in the vibe that keeps the spirit strong. The music is still live, the venue is even larger, and the good times are as jamming as ever before at Betsiefest. Join the vibe!

OUR BENEFICIARY: THE CHELSEA HICKS FOUNDATION

What started as an intimate life celebration has grown into an intimate, family friendly music festival and opportunity to raise money for the causes we believe in. We are excited to have wonderful a new beneficiary, The Chelsea Hicks Foundation. Our goal this year is to raise $7,500 for them.

Betsiefest is a FREE event, however we do encourage at least a $25 per adult donation to support our fundraising efforts. Help us brighten the spirits of critically ill children this year with this amazing organization

Make your donation online today >>

BANDS

Big thanks to all the musicians that have played Betsiefest over the past seven years. Your contributions and talents make the event what it is. Here is your 2017 line-up.

Santino Cadiz

California-raised, Santino Cadiz has been producing an eclectic mix of reggae, hip hop, and folk for the past 15 years. This Betsiefest veteran will kick us off in style. Santino recently decided to reinvent himself with a new collaborative solo CD called "Soteria". By ancient Greek terms, "Soteria" means deliverance or salvation. At a recent performance Santino stated, "I really wanted to challenge myself musically ... I hope to showcase my evolution as a growing artist.

The Rose City Kings

The Rose City Kings are an all-star, award winning blues/rock band of notable and accomplished Portland musicians. They’ve performed seven times at the Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival and at some of the premier West Coast Blues venues.

Bearcoon

Captivating and accomplished indie folk duo, tinged in southern soul. Grand prize at the 2014 Downtown Long Beach Buskerfest. #1 spot on Amazon.com’s “Hot New Releases” list. OC Weekly’s “Best Folk Band” AND voted “Best Album of the Year” on the Long Beach Post’s public poll! http://bearcoonmusic.com

Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection

Trumpeter Farnell Newton is one of the most versatile musicians & educators in the Northwest, playing straight ahead jazz, funk, Latin music, soul, hip hop, and more. Farnell has performed with a who’s who of world class artists including, Stevie Wonder, Bootsy Collins, Karl Denson, Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind and Fire to name drop a few! Farnell and his band will be bringing the funk party to B-fest!

JOIN US ON JUNE 24th @ 2:00pm

Betsiefest is a FREE (donation based) family friendly event that embraces a loving, open, and thoughtful spirit. Our goal this year is to raise $7,500 for Chelsea Hicks Foundation.

$25/ADULT SUGGESTED DONATION

Make your tax deductible donation online today >>

MUSIC SCHEDULE

2:00pm - Kick-off

2:30 - 4:00pm Santino

4:00 - 5:00pm Kids' parade & talent show

5:00 - 6:30pm Bearcoon

7:00 - 8:30pm Rose City Kings

9:00 - 11:30pm Farnell Newton & The Othership Connection

CAMPING

Camping Saturday night is encouraged. There is a peaceful field for tent, R.V., van or car camping.

FOOD

Food will be available in a pot luck format. Please bring a dish to share (vegetarian encouraged and appreciated) if you wish to participate. A grill will be available for use. Also, this year we will again have a food truck on premise with food for sale in the early evening and in the morning for overnight campers.

PETS

Dogs are welcome but MUST be leashed at all times. This is a working farm, so we need to be protect the resident livestock. Please also clean up after your pet.

DRINKS

Outside alcohol is allowed for guests 21 and over ONLY. Please drink responsibly.

ART

Festival poster art available by donation; intentional creative space in Betsie's memory; dance and movement

ACTIVITIES

We will have a variety of outdoor games, kids crafts and the ever-popular Betsiefest Kid's Parade.

LATE-NIGHT

Want to play an instrument around the fire pit? Bring it! Want to express yourself and be outdoors with wonderful folks? Be our guest. Late night Betsiefesters inevitably bring the party.

Drop us a message

Event Location

Please contact John Gentle with any event questions.

14700 Nw Gillihan Road Portland, OR 97231
503.544.6934
johngentle@mac.com